New findings from the Alzheimer's Association states that an estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and one out of eight baby boomers is likely to be diagnosed. By 2050, the report estimates 959,000 people will be diagnosed annually, including 16 percent of women and 11 percent of men 71 and older. This live TV town hall meeting wil focus on preparedness for Alzheimer's and other diseases of the brain, such as dementia, as they pertain to caregivers, healthcare providers and the community at large, including diverse populations.

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As America ages, we are hearing alarming statistics about Alzheimer's. A new study claims that roughly 18 percent of baby boomers will develop this disease, or other forms of dementia. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss research, treatment and caregiving. We'll be joined by Claire Day and Dr. Jason Karlawish. Day is the Director for Programs and Education with the Alzheimer's Association of the Delaware Valley. Karlawish is Associate Prof. of Medicine and Medical Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania; and Director of the Education Core of the Alzheimer's Disease Center. We will also explore how the healthcare industry can address this problem with Dr. Henry Simmons, he is the president of the National Coalition on Healthcare in Washington DC. Maiken Scott visits Virtua Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey, to find out how they are using video game technology like the Nintendo Wii in their work with Alzheimer's patients.

Many experts warn that as the baby boomers age, Alzheimer's disease will reach epidemic proportions. Right now, about 4.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In the early stages, the effects are on memory are often mild, but as the mind deteriorates, relatives find their loved-ones become helpless and disoriented. Dan Gottlieb will talk to people suffering from Alzheimer's and their families. We'll discuss the latest research, and explore if there's hope for a cure. Later, we'll hear about a new public television documentary, The Forgetting, and talk about options for care, and support for caregivers.

Depression and dementia are prevalent among the rising numbers of elderly people in the United States. The high rates have given rise to the belief that mental illness is a normal part of aging - but that is far from the truth. Dr. Dan Gottlieb will discuss mental health and aging with Dr. Ira Katz, geriatric psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania. We'll also hear from Rabbi Zalman Schachter, author of From Aging to Saging.

Joanne Koenig-Coste developed an innovative approach to caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease shortly after the birth of their fourth child. Called "habilitation," her approach focuses on enabling the person with dementia to live using his or her upper limits of function, intellect, emotion and spirit. "Learning to Speak Alzheimer's" is the title of her new book.

A Mother's Struggle

February 22, 2001

From Radio Times:Hour 2
A conversation with novelist Amy Tan. Her new book, The Bonesetter's Daughter,was written in reaction to her mother's Alzheimers which was diagnosed in 1995. The novel moves between the present and the past, between China and the United States and explores terrain familiar to Tan... the relationship between mothers and daughters.

From PBS

Visit this PBS website for more Alzheimer's information and resources. The Forgetting website has the latest news and information on Alzheimer's, activites for those that have the disease, and more resources for teachers and educators. The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's airs on TV12 August 3 at 9pm.